BMW enjoys a warm welcome for the new i8 hybrid supercar, unveiled at the beginning of this summer. Also known as the first mass produced vehicle equipped with laser lights, the i8 attracted many clients for BMW.

So many that the German manufacturer has some problems with its production. In some markets, clients have to wait even 18 months to receive the i8. Ian Robertson, head of sales and marketing for BMW, admits there is a problem with sourcing the car.

Production

Robertson wants to increase production very soon, as he is recommending a waiting time of just 6 months. The production adjustments will be made very soon, as the i3 levels up its offering. The small electric vehicle asks only for three moths of patience.

The new BMW i8 is one of the most appreciated hybrid sports cars of the moment, as it is made from lightweight materials and it has a drag coefficient of just 0.26.

Under the hood there is a 1.5 liter TwinPower Turbo three cylinder petrol unit that can develop 231 horsepower and 320 Nm peek of torque. There is also an electric engine with 131 horsepower and 250 Nm. The petrol engine powers the back wheels, while the front ones are powered by the electric unit.

The total power output is of 362 HP and 570 Nm. In these conditions, the sprint from stand still to 100 km/h (62 mph) is done in 4.5 seconds, while the top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). In the electric mode, the BMW i8 can do 35 miles and it has a top speed of 120 km/h (75 mph).